When MARTA began rail service in 1979, technology was of course much different than today. But surprisingly, the original trains the system opened with are still running nearly four decades later.

According to WABE, MARTA plans to replace its entire rail fleet. The project will bring new, modern cars, which are easier to load and unload and more comfortable for passengers.

While the design of the cars remains a mystery for now, new trains should be a major step forward for the system.

In addition to modernized train cars, MARTA is planning less-noticeable capital improvements that would include bringing Wi-Fi to the entire rail network. The technology boost would allow riders to surf the web while riding the rails, even underground.

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Zach Huhn, chief executive of the Venture Smarter technology collaborative, said that for the higher-tech aspects of automated travel, public agencies should let the automotive sector lead the way rather than risk getting stuck with expensive, but incompatible, systems.

Columbus has been rapidly innovating since its Smart Columbus plan won the U.S. DOT Smart City Challenge in June 2016, and this new pilot adds to a growing list of steps the city is taking to become a leader in transportation technology and research.

I am convinced that most solutions are already here to address our biggest road safety problems. We only need the internal fortitude, the moral compass, and the strength of conviction to apply the tools at our disposal.

The city of Santa Monica has officially awarded Bird, Lime, Lyft and JUMP Bikes, which Uber acquired in April, permits to operate both electric scooters and/or bikes in the city as part of its 16-month pilot program beginning September 17.